Tuesday 25 April 2017 12:19, UK
Severn Stars kept alive their Vitality Superleague play-off hopes with a 66-62 victory over Surrey Storm on Monday.
Stars hosted the back-to-back champions knowing defeat would allow Storm to open up a nine-point cushion over the chasing pack in the battle to make the play-off places.
However, a thrilling contest at the University of Worcester went the way of the Stars who kept alive their own top four hopes with a fourth victory of the season, having edged the second half after an even opening period.
Storm remain fourth on 21 points and have a six-point cushion over Team Bath, while Stars join Sirens and Hertfordshire Mavericks on 12 points and will need a winning run to make Finals weekend in June.
The teams split the opening half with the visiting Storm just shading the opening quarter by a couple of goals, but the same margin allowed Stars to go in at half-time locked at 29-29.
It was more of the same in the third quarter as the teams traded goals and interceptions, but by the midway point, it was the hosts who had opened up a four-goal lead thanks to Player of the Match Ellie Cardwell.
Storm closed to within two but, with time running out, defensive lapses allowed Stars to re-establish their lead taking a 50-45 lead into the final 15 minutes.
The see-saw nature of the contest continued as an early flurry from Storm saw them close to within two just moments after Stars had opened up a seven-goal lead.
However, that was as good as it got for Tania Hoffman's team as Stars kept their cool to close out a victory that just about keeps their own and several other teams hopes alive.
Vitality Superleague continues on Saturday with the latest visit to London's Copper Box Arena, coverage begins at 5.45pm on Sky Sports Mix